15 Best Places in Winter New York

9:32 am  |  01.12.2020

New York is a popular tourist city and in winter it transforms, changing its shape and dressing up in New Year’s garlands. The population of the metropolis has long exceeded the mark of several tens of millions of inhabitants. It is the largest city in the United States and one of the largest cities in the world, an important center for politics, business, culture, and entertainment.


The city is historically divided into five districts, the most remarkable of which is Manhattan. However, in other areas, you can find many interesting sights, especially interesting in winter.

1. Rolf’s Restaurant

Winter New York – top 15 places for tourists: Rolf’s Restaurant

It is a traditional restaurant and bar with a focus on European, in particular German, cuisine. On the eve of Christmas this place turns into a real fairy tale! It is here that you can feel the real spirit of Christmas with all its attributes and decorations – Christmas wreaths, garlands sparkling with myriads of lights, stylized gift wrappers, New Year’s toys and decorations. They start decorating the restaurant long before Christmas, thereby bringing a festive mood to visitors in advance.

2. Fifth Avenue

The most beautiful places in New York in winter. Fifth Avenue

There are large crowds of tourists at any time of the year, and you should look at Fifth Avenue during the winter. The most luxurious and original shops and boutiques of the city are located here. In the pre-New Year period, they glow from the abundance of decorations and garlands, and shop windows can compete with exhibition halls. Moreover, it is during the Christmas period that unprecedented discounts await shop visitors here. Fifth Avenue is located in the heart of New York – in the center of Manhattan and divides the island in half.

3. Fair at St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Fair at St. Patrick's Cathedral

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is located at the intersection with Fiftieth Street, opposite the Rockefeller Center building. This Catholic church is the largest in the United States, built in 1858-1878. Decorated in a unique neo-gothic style in white and brown marble, it truly amazes the imagination. The interior of the cathedral is as beautiful as the outside, and on Christmas Eve it hosts the most beautiful Christmas market in New York. The cathedral is adorned with exquisite garlands and handmade ornaments by the parishioners themselves, stylized Christmas performances are held, choral singing is carried far along Fifth Avenue.

See also  Facebook is creating an audio chat product to rival Clubhouse, report says

4. Mohonk Mountain House

Mohonk Mountain House

Nestled in the middle of a forest right on the shores of Lake Mohonk south of the Catskills, this hotel is a true escape from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. And although it was “Mohonk Mountain House” that became the prototype for the mystical and terrible Overlock Hotel from Stephen King’s novel “The Shining”, during Christmas and New Year’s holidays it is filled with quiet. Here you can go hiking or cycling along the mountain trails, swim in the outdoor pool or visit the SPA-complex, go for an outdoor ice rink, play cricket or wander through the real hedge maze on the territory of the hotel. The hotel operates on a rare all-inclusive system in the United States. It is also one of the few places in America that do not have a TV.

5. Blue Hill Restaurant at Stone Barns

Blue Hill Restaurant at Stone Barns

This stately establishment in an authentic stone mansion is located outside the city – in an area called Pocantico Hills, just 25 miles north of Manhattan. The restaurant is focused on eco-cuisine and serves only fresh fruits and vegetables grown within a few miles. The restaurant purchases meat and dairy products from local farms, according to the chef, they vouch for every bite of food you eat. There is no fixed menu at Blue Hill at Stone Barns, you can order whatever you want here or take advantage of the chef’s current suggestions.

6. Union Square Holiday Market

Union Square Holiday Market

One of the main squares of Manhattan was formed in the 30s of the 19th century at the place where the two main thoroughfares of New York – Bowery and Broadway – connected. Hence the name – Unification Square. While here, it is worth looking at the monuments to Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, the Marquis de Lafayette, as well as the old fountain in the square. During Christmas and New Year’s holidays, a kind of market is set up on the square, where you can buy everything – from food to exquisite souvenirs and handmade gifts.

See also  9 Most Exciting Places to Explore and Experience In New York

7. New York Philharmonic

New York Philharmonic


The New York Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the oldest and largest symphony orchestras in the United States and worldwide, formed in 1842. It is difficult to get to his concert, especially during the Christmas period. However, it is worth trying for an unforgettable experience. Concerts are held at the Avery Fisher Hall, a 2738-seat concert hall in Lincoln Center. A special feature of this concert hall is the shoe-box design for excellent acoustics. During the Christmas holidays, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony can be heard here.

8. Radio City Christmas Theater Show

Radio City Christmas Theater Show

The most famous concert and theater hall in New York – Radio City Music Hall – annually hosts the Grammy and MTV Video Music Awards, as well as many others. And during the period of Christmas and New Year’s holidays, an enchanting show called “Radio City Christmas” is held here, which first appeared on the stage back in 1933. This is a large-scale production, wherein some fragments 140 people are simultaneously on stage. The artists amaze with their performances, extravagant costumes, and original performances. The large composition of the concert show allows for several performances per day. Typically, Radio City Christmas runs from early November to the end of the year.

9. Ice rink at Rockefeller Center

Ice rink at Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center is one of the most famous landmarks in New York, built in the 30s of the 20th century, and in 1987 recognized as a US National Historic Landmark. This sprawling retail and office center is funded by and named after the legendary Rockefeller family. In addition to the headquarters of various corporations and the famous Christie’s auction house, there is a lot of entertainment for New Yorkers and visitors alike. One of the most visited in winter is the ice skating rink. Located in the open air against the backdrop of the city’s main Christmas tree, and decorated with many New Year’s decorations, the ice rink becomes the most romantic place in New York in winter.

See also  Tips for New York With Children: for Families in the Big Apple

10. Park Avenue

Park Avenue

Park Avenue is one of Manhattan’s main thoroughfares, the widest of all streets, crossing the island from north to south. Park Avenue residential properties are considered by some to be the most expensive in the world. On this street is the headquarters of many corporations and concerns. The street has two-way traffic and a beautiful boulevard in the middle with plantations of begonias and neat trees. Since 1945, there has been a tradition to light the lights on these trees on the first Sunday in December. Magic multi-colored lights are great to lift your spirits, bring the feeling that you are in a fairy tale.

11. Westlight at The William Vale

Westlight at The William Vale. You can go ice skating on a rooftop overlooking the Manhattan skyline.

This place beckons with its luxurious setting and panoramic views of Manhattan. In addition, there is a small ice rink for everyone who wants to have an interesting time.

12. Ophelia

Get Into The Holiday Spirit At These 7 Winter Themed Pop-Ups
Beekman Art Deco Tower

The Beekman Art Deco Tower, built in the 1920s, is one of New York’s architectural masterpieces. It is located between Sutton Place and the United Nations on the east side of Manhattan. There is a bar on the 26th floor of this tower, whose atmosphere is admired by locals and tourists alike.

13. 230 Fifth

230 Fifth's Rooftop Igloos

This is one of the most expensive rooftops in New York, open to the public. Great cocktails await you on the rooftop with breathtaking views of New York City. In this luxurious penthouse bar, you will find sofas, a roof garden, live music, international cuisine, snacks, and lunches.

14. Pier 17

Pier 17 Will Opens Rooftop Ice Rink With Stunning Views Of Brooklyn Bridge  - Secretnyc
Pier 17 in winter

The seaport in Midtown Manhattan is more popular than ever, thanks in part to Pier 17. The live music skating rink here offers unrivaled views of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Manhattan skyline.

You can visit the warm huts located on the pier, or cheer yourself up by visiting the R17, a restaurant, and bar located on the territory.

15. Wollman Rink

Wollman Rink in Central Park


A huge outdoor ice rink is located in the southern corner of Central Park. It offers a striking view of the Midtown skyline, and Central Park itself is fabulously beautiful in winter.

Like us on Facebook for more stories like this: